The UGA String Project provides instruction in violin, viola, cello, and bass through group classes and ensembles. Beginning classes are offered, starting only in the fall semester, for children in 3rd through 5th grade. Continuing students can participate up through the 8th grade. UGASP teachers are undergraduate and/or graduate students supervised by UGA faculty members.

Our undergraduate teachers learn new skills and gain practical teaching experience that allows them to test their role as professionals in a supervised, supportive environment. This hands-on experience greatly enhances their preparation for formal student teaching and the first years in their profession in a way that coursework alone cannot do.

Affordable tuition: String Project offers instruction at an affordable fee (less than $5/group session) that enables children who cannot afford private lessons the opportunity to learn an orchestral string instrument. They are also able to begin instruction at a younger age than is currently offered in any Athens area public school
.Please note: Students in the UGASP must concurrently enroll in their school orchestra program if one exists when they reach the appropriate age for membership.

Besides providing us with rehearsal space, Clarke County Schools also sponsor scholarships for students enrolled in their district. Students who qualify for free or reduced price lunch (see income eligibilty guidelines), receive a full tuition waiver as well as the use of an instrument donated by AthFest Educates. There are currently no scholarship or instruments provided for non-ACC residents.

Beginners (Explorer I), 3rd and 4th graders, start in fall only. An informational open house and instrument 'petting zoo' will be held on August 28, 2017. This is a chance to meet the String Project staff, hear and try out the various instruments we offer for instruction, and get information about instrument rental. A $5 registration fee payable May-August 31, 2017 reserves you a spot in the class. Early registration is recommended.

CLASSES

Explorer IMondays and Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:50 pm

Our beginning classes, divided into upper and lower strings groups, meet twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:50 pm. Enrollment capacity is 20 violins, 5 violas, and 20 cellos. A full year, two semester, commitment is required. Students will be taught the basics of string playing and improvisation. Music reading is not a prerequisite. Instruments will not be used until the third week of class to allow time to measure each child and recommend the correct size instrument that is needed. Unless a student qualifies for a Clarke County scholarship, you must provide your own instrument. (How to choose an instrument.)Tuition: $100/semester plus $5 registration fee.

Explorer IIMondays and Wednesdays 5:00 - 5:50 pm

For students who have had at least one year of instruction and have shown a level of proficiency determined by the director, this group meets as a mixed ensemble (all instruments in one class) twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays 5:00 - 5:50 pm. The class will continue development of a sound technique on the instrument and instruction in the fundamentals of music through reading and improvisation.Tuition: $100/semester plus $5 registration fee.

EnsemblesMondays and Wednesdays 5:00 - 5:50 pm

Students who have had two or more years of instruction will be divided into groups of compatible ability levels as determined by the director. These ensembles meet twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays 5:00 - 5:50 pm. In addition to group instruction, where they have the opportunity to apply their growing musical skills playing beginning orchestral literature, each student will have four individual 30-minute lessons with one of the SP teaching staff on (away game) Saturdays at the UGA music building.Tuition: $125/semester plus $5 registration fee. ($100/semester for students concurrently enrolled in private lessons.)

String Project and the Boys and Girls Club

Through a 21st Century Federal Grant, the UGA String Project has also expanded into the Clarke County Boys and Girls Club to provide string instruction for students who cannot afford the minimum cost involved. Through a generous donation by AthFest Educates, students are provided with an appropriate sized instrument to participate. Currently, the UGA String Project is providing classes twice a week at H. T. Edwards and Joel E. Smilow Boys and Girls Club in Athens, GA.